Retail Trends: Evolution of traditional retail.Technology changed the way we do everything. In retail, the rise of e-commerce has sparked worry about the relevance of brick-and-mortar and prompted retailers to reimagine the way they use tech to promote their products and engage shoppers. A ‘new normal’ has emerged, challenging us to think outside the box in exploring new formats and creating displays and activations that chase up the figures for sales, customer engagement and brand awareness while cutting down on manufacturing cost and timeframes. In this article I look into the trends shaping this shopping evolution and how it impacts the way retailers experiment with product displays and in-store activations across both temporary and permanent store formats.1. ONLINE/OFFLINE INTEGRATION: Physical stores VS Online storesDeciding between ‘online’ and ‘offline’ methods of commerce isn’t a ‘one VS the other’ argument, but rather a challenge for retailers to drive omni-channel strategies to extract the best uses of each platform. Neither of the two can work perfectly on its own; physical stores and e-commerce are reliant on each other to utlise each to their full potential. Less than 50% of customers’ overall shopping time is about the actual purchase, according to Gensler’s Experience Index for Retail.Online shopping, therefor, occupies a small place in the bigger picture of customer experience. Store design is a key driver for impactful shopping experience retailers can use it as a tool to tap into customers’ emotions, turning their physical spaces into experiential hubs while focusing transactions online.Beauty brand Kylie Cosmetics is an example of an online-born business that has been thinking outside of the internet box, expanding to traditional retail methods through pop-up events and store-in-stores. Founder and owner, reality star Kylie Jenner, has the internet and TV screens across the world to thank for her fame, so it’s a no-brainer that her brand emerged online.But with customers looking for a more personal touch on shopping, the brand entered a partnership with Topshop in 2017 to display Jenner’s makeup and beauty products in store-in-store (SIS) stations to offer their customer base an in-store shopping experience – a preference that came to light when the brand conducted in-depth market research into shoppers’ online vs in-store behaviour.The first of these pop-up stores lured hundreds of shoppers lining up outside Topshop in Midtown Manhattan to get first picks on the limited-edition products sold at the Kylie Cosmetics SIS. Right off the bat, there are two major benefits we see here: physical brand presence for the pop-up brand and increased customer traffic for the retailer hosting the pop-up. These kinds of temporary spaces bode particularly well with skincare and cosmetics brands, with market research showing close to ¾ of shoppers prefer buying cosmetic products in-store if they are first-time buyers. But it doesn’t stop with this group of retailers.The trend extends to tech and telco with Indonesian bank giant CIMB Niaga rolling out their digital branch concept across Jakarta to merge the best of both worlds: the convenience of digital banking and the personalisation of in-branch assistance. Check out their first residentially located digital branch that just launched in collaboration with greater group.2. THE HUMAN FACTOR: Beauty product displaysAmid the revolution brought about by online shopping, physical stores are still thriving. Why? The reason e-commerce will never fully replace brick-and-mortar is because it lacks the ‘human’ element and in-person interaction that cannot be achieved through technology.Online brands experimenting with temporary store formats is a pattern we see everywhere, from skincare company Glossier’s traveling pop-up store to mattress retailer Casper partnering with Target to display their mattresses in-store.Shoppers like the sensory aspects of physical formats where they can touch, test and experience products while assisted by in-store staff, knowing they can resort to online shopping methods to get bigger products delivered hassle-free or stock up on their favourite skincare and cosmetic products.Sephora, praised for their innovative and immersive customer experiences like digital try-on features in-store, has been playing around with new concepts to drive interaction with their customers. In celebration of their 20th anniversary, the brand launched Sephoria House of Beauty, a two-day event packed with activities like master classes, exclusive product demos and meet-and-greets with guest stars.This event capitalised on the air of exclusivity, creating a one-time event where attendees can socialise with major names in the industry. The design of this pop-up experience played a significant role in its success. Sephora rented The Majestic Downtown, a well-known set for movies and music videos, setting the dramatic tone for greeting guests by the grand staircase accentuated by low lighting and a carefully curated playlist. Food and drinks were passed around and two fully stocked bars waited in the basement – working with the scents and visual appeal of Sephora’s products to create a one-of-a-kind multi-sensory experience.3. TECH INNOVATION: Retail DisplaysWith that being said about the importance of the personal touch, technology is making its way into every sphere of our lives and there’s nothing we can do to stop it. But instead of tech taking away from the personalisation of in-person interaction, it is a valuable tool in increasing the quality of day-to-day operations of stores and evaluating the success of new formats through social media metrics, store visit numbers and sales figures.IoT (Internet of Things) – a system of interrelated computing devices able to transfer data over a network without needing the skills or services of a person – allow customers in a shopping centre to follow a suggested route to optimise their shopping experience with relevant sales and promotions along the way.Mall operators can use this technology to determine traffic hotspots and analyse shoppers’ movements in-store, ultimately allowing individual retailers to strategize wayfinding tools like signage and product display placements that will increase sales based on the way customers are most likely to navigate the store. Samsung did a great job with The Frame, an in-store unit designed to creatively showcase their latest products by demonstrating how it can be used in home environments. Designed, manufactured and installed by X-Factor Displays, the completed unit is compact and flexible to ensure pain-free installation in a variety of spaces – a key factor for designing temp spaces. Samsung has reported that these displays are a big hit with both customers and retailers, with increased engagement as shoppers are invited to interact with the displays to curate their shopping experience.4. SMALL & TEMPORARY FORMATS: Temporary retail buildingTemporary formats have become increasingly valuable as a tool for test driving new locations and products. Pop-ups, for one, hold immeasurable value by offering practical and financial benefits for brands.Target plans to open 30 small format stores annually over the next couple of years to move into smaller spaces like campuses and urban centres where the typical size of their stores cannot be accommodated. To kick off this small format project, the retail giant is opening three such stores on college campuses across the US, designed for convenience and focused on the needs of college students with grab-and-go meals and stationary supplies.Target is taking a very smart approach with this format expansion, cultivating loyalty and brand awareness among the younger demographic who will go on to become their biggest customer group in coming years.According to a report by Storefront unpacking the rise of the pop-up format, the demand for an omnichannel customer experience will be higher than ever in 2020, driven by the need for near perfect execution and seamless transition across different platforms.The report elaborates on how landlords and mall operators are providing support to brands exploring new formats through dedicated multi-purpose spaces for pop-up stores and lifestyle events, flexible lease arrangements, offering a diversifying brand mix and investing in tech infrastructure to gain more accurate insight into customer behaviour.ANZ in collaboration with X-Factor Displays is working on a temporary format project to create a space for the bank to interact with their clients across a variety of potential scenarios. The pilot kiosk was delivered in Queensland’s Riverlink shopping centre to fill the gap when the permanent branch underwent constructions and showed incredible metric success in terms of customer engagement. This kiosk is an excellent testimonial of how temp formats can up the game for retailers across all sectors.TO SUMMARISE:In 2020 and beyond we can expect to see temporary formats lead the charge in the retail evolution sparked by online shopping platforms. There is, without a doubt, still room for physical stores and traditional retail approaches, but retailers will continuously face the challenge of merging channels to create unique experiences that will make customers come back again and again.Small and temporary store formats hold incredible value in creating brand awareness in new locations while saving time and money – shorter rental periods, reduced time frames for manufacture and build, more freedom to explore sustainable and durable design options, and the ability to recycle the same units across many different locations.When it comes to creative displays and activations, technology holds the steer for creating product displays and way-finding tools that grab shoppers’ attention and can easily be adapted for different uses.Be on the lookout for a complete project showcase about ANZ’s temporary kiosk to see how these strategies play out in the field! Read More
Two Greater Group Projects Named Winners At 2019 Sydney Design AwardsTwo projects named winners at the 2019 Sydney Design Awards. Our retail blog is proud to speak about it in details.Interior Design – Retail (Silver): Motome by Macquarie, HornsbyInterior Design – Flagships & Showrooms (Gold) Diamond Exchange SydneyAn Augmented Reality experience that allows customers to further engage with the featured vehicle physically present in the store, using a touch screen and live camera feed of the car to entice customers to explore particular aspects of that vehicle.greater group worked with the team at Macquarie Leasing to design and develop the physical retail face of Macquarie’s new car purchasing and finance platform, Motome. The team were tasked with creating a space that was welcoming and engaging, that seamlessly integrated with technology and enriched the consumers ability to explore, compare and configure product choices.The environment needed to provide physical spaces to showcase and promote feature cars, interactive digital displays, along with varying lounge and chat space for the store staff to have conversations around vehicle selection or to go through financial applications and book customers in for test drives.Read more about the project here. Respecting the existing heritage features required attention to detail, spatial planning and the design at large.An existing client, The Thomas Group decided to appoint the greater group to design and build their latest Diamond Exchange Sydney showroom. Forming part of this decision was the recent success of Diamond Exchange Melbourne, the first Diamond Exchange showroom from 2017.From concept development though to delivery, this adaptive re-use project was a comprehensive fit-out located on level 5 of The Georges Building, one of Sydney’s oldest and most prestigious heritage buildings. A combination of existing heritage features mixed with fine joinery detailing and lighting accents work together as the ultimate setting for high quality diamonds and jewellery.Read more about the project here. The Sydney Design Awards celebrate innovative and creating building interiors with consideration given to a range of factors like creation, planning, furnishing and aesthetic presentation. DRIVENxDESIGN is about celebrating the courage of project commissioners and creators, recognising the diversity and excellence across Australia’s most diverse awards program.We would like to thank everyone involved, the talented team, our valued clients and all the trades, suppliers and consultants who helped in the successful delivery of these projects. Read More
Jewel Changi Food – How Changi’S F&B is changing airport retail?The spectacular Jewel Changi was officially opened by Singapore’s prime minister on 18 October, celebrating six months since the soft opening earlier in 2019. During this time, the dining and shopping destination has received 50 million visitors (300 000 per day), exceeding the initial goal of generating 40-50 million visitors in the first year.Although Jewel presents a fine selection of exciting new flagships like the 5-storey Apple Store and the biggest Nike store in Singapore, the F&B program is the real drawing power. The restaurant, cafe and bar line-up features a mix of home-grown and global F&B concessions who are putting their best foot forward to create exciting new dining concepts, according to our retail design blog.JEWEL CHANGI AIRPORT FOOD: FAST FACTS$1.7 billion joint venture between Changi Airport Group and CapitaLandLocated next to Changi Airport’s Terminal 1Soft opening on 17 April 2019Official opening on 18 October 201990 000 sqm retail size, comparable to CapitaLand’s Ion Orchard280 shops with 112 F&B outlets21 100 sqm of indoor gardens and attractions including the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, the 40m-high HSBC Rain VortexRESTAURANTS AT JEWEL CHANGI: WHY THE FOCUS ON F&B?The way to a Singaporean’s heart is through their stomach, and since Changi Airport Group initially estimated 60% of the visitors will be locals, Jewel Changi’s food offering was the key factor to engage their largest predicted customer group. With the highest retail space per capita in Asia, Singapore mall operators have been increasing the space for F&B tenants to make up for lost revenue through vacancy rates and rents that have reached their weakest point in the last 6 years.According to Adam Summerville, lead partner at Ground Control, a specialised consultancy for the travel retail, hospitality and leisure sectors, the beauty of F&B tenancies in an airport location is that their captive audience allows them to become the ‘destinations’ at airports.“This is even more pronounced in Asia which has always had a strong dining out culture and so it is not surprising that millennials in the region are foodies, with many sharing their dining experiences on social media and posting reviews online,” Adam says.DINING AT JEWEL CHANGIDining at Jewel Changi could be various and has so many options. So please find our TOP PLACES TO EAT in Changi Airport.SHAKE SHACK (#02-256)Shake Shack is one of the first places you’ll see as you walk into Jewel Changi. On its opening day, dedicated Singaporeans started queueing up at 04:30 to get a taste of Shake Shack’s legendary burgers. This is the brand’s first outlet in Singapore and the Jewel Changi location includes Singapore-exclusive items on the menu to pay tribute to local flavours with picks like the Pandan Shake and the Jewela Melaka Concrete.The two-level dining venue seats 90 customers on each floor. On the first level, a video wall displays locally inspired graphics to create a stunning visual effect and customers can enjoy a partial view of the HSBC rain vortex. The second floor is decked out in American diner-style booth seats and cool murals and lighting to offer a quiet spot away from the crowds below. STARBUCKS RESERVE (#02-204)The Starbuck flagship is a sight to behold. The hand-carved Starbucks Siren on the wall leading up to the second floor took Singapore-based artist, Sean Dunston, two months to complete. The design includes subtle references to Singaporean culture by using Peranakan patterns to decorate the Siren’s brocade and tucking a Vanda Miss Joaquim orchid behind her ear. The effect of this eye-catching wall installation extends throughout the cafe with the wooden elements and multitude of indoor plants echoing Jewel’s nature-centred design concept.The first floor boasts with an interactive Reserve Coffee Bar manned by friendly baristas who are always up for a chat. Moving up to the second floor, the feature wall is fitted out with Starbucks Reserve labels. This level is also home to an Art Room that creates the feel of a luxurious airport lounge with its bespoke wall art and comfortable seats. Aside from the occasional function or workshop hosted here, the studio is open to anyone who visits the cafe.IGER STREET LAB (#05-205)As the first global concept store for this local beer brand, the Tiger Street Lab is an exciting new concept where visitors can experience seasonal Tiger brews paired with food from local collaborators. The lab has an interactive digital customisation panel installed next to the bar, where the touch of a button allows customers to personalise their own limited-edition Tiger beer and discover merchandise designed by local artists. An innovative, experiential concept that brings the best out of local brews.PAZZION CAFE (#B1-243)Pazzion Cafe is a lifestyle extension of the contemporary footwear brand, Pazzion, aiming to create a holistic shopping experience that adds dimension to their retail platform and encourages shoppers to engage with the brand. The interior is decorated in black and white tones and sets the mood for a modern-chic retro cafe with vintage props like a typewriter, telephone and metal globe. The seating area extends to outside the cafe, where customers have an unrestricted view of the iconic waterfall.MUJI CAFE & MEAL (#02-227/228/229)The Muji store stretches over two floors, dividing the space into the retail area and the spacious in-house eatery. The lower level houses a collection of apparel, health and beauty products, travel items and food, continuing to the upper level where housekeeping items and living room, bedroom and kitchen products can be found. This floor also hosts the 88-seater Muji Cafe & Meal where customers can take a break in between their shopping.Among Changi’s top 10 markets in 2018, India and Japan registered the strongest growth, respectively rising with 12% and 10%. China and Vietnam followed shortly with an annual growth of 7%. To cater to its most dominant markets, Jewel Changi presents a strong Asian F&B offering ranging from dim sum specialists Din Tai Fung and Tim Ho Wan to local Michelin-starred roast specialist, Kam’s Roast. Worth singling out is Shang Social, a contemporary restaurant-bar-retail space, where Chinese cuisine is reimagined through a showcase kitchen, classy cocktail bar, ice cream stand and a range of seating options. Does the name sound familiar? That is because this is the first standalone concept by the Shangri-La Hotel Group. SHANG SOCIAL (#01-219 to 222)The Shang Social group has a growing presence in China and is known for its amazing Cantonese, Huaiyang and Sichuan food. The restaurant can accommodate 200+ customers and is divided in three sections to offer different dining experiences. The casual ‘Marketplace’ area is a relaxed space with a theatrical kitchen setup where customers can watch chefs prepare the signature dim sum and noodle dishes. The ‘Dining’ section caters to upmarket diners with plush booth seats and chic hanging lamps. Lastly, the old-worldly bar is lit up with light orbs on brass stands and serves exquisite cocktails alongside Chinese tapas.In a rush to buy some souvenirs before catching your flight? Jewel Changi Airport is home to many local staples like Bengawan Solo, Old Chang Kee, Bee Cheng Hiang and Rich & Good Cake Shop, all of which are sporting a refreshed look in their new outlets. BENGAWAN SOLO (#01-228/229)Bengawan Solo is a local confectionery chain who went for an upmarket vibe at its new Jewel Changi outlet where customers can feast on the signature selection of kueh found in outlets all over Singapore. Their usual no-fuss design was replaced by garden-themed interior elements to tie in with Jewel’s backdrop. At the door, customers are met with a table decked out in kueh, and the cake display inside is framed by a trellis decorated with orchids. Visitors can head over to the demonstration section where they can watch the experts behind the counter create delectable treats like kueh lapis.RICH & GOOD CAKE SHOP (#01-232)Rich & Good Cake Shop is a well-known name among Singaporeans. The popular swiss roll shop has been around for decades and took their rebranding strategy very seriously when they rolled out the new venue in Jewel. The entire look was reimagined – Millennial-ised, if you will. The sleek baby pink cake counter is rimmed with gold and LED screens were installed to display the shop’s iconic cake flavours and trusted baking process. 10 flavours of the famed Swiss rolls are currently available, sold in two size variations.Changi Food : a new challenge?When Jewel Changi first opened its doors, it remained to be seen whether the ambitious goal of drawing 40-50 million visitors in the first year would be reached. But barely after the six-month mark, Jewel already exceeded its own expectations. The key takeaway from this experiential F&B journey is that social media is taking on a more significant role and influencing customers’ decision making, meaning a successful dining destination isn’t just about the quality of the food, but also the design, marketing, atmosphere and service. If you want to see how this idea plays out in the industry, a trip to the iconic Jewel will be well worth it in proving brick-and-mortar is still alive and kicking in Singapore. Read More
Top 30 Instagrammable Stores In SingaporeThese days, store design is all about creating spaces deemed ‘Instagrammable’ to capture the attention of Millennials. Need some inspiration? Take a look at our favourite Instagram-worthy stores in Singapore from Jewel Changi, Orchard Road and Dempsey Road to the CBD, Chinatown, Tiong Bahru, Bugis and the City Hall region. JEWEL CHANGI1. Apple Jewel StoreThe 8m-high curved glass façade makes an impressive entrance against the Jewel Vortex waterfall. Up your IG game with “The Magic of Jewel Photo Walk”, a photography workshop where Apple staff impart invaluable tips and tricks for your Apple iPhone, one of the 200 products on display in this sprawling customer experience center.Address: 78 Airport Boulevard2. Durasport Jewel StoreA quick glance at Durasport’s façade will leave shoppers awed — the spacious ultra-performance sports store is wrapped in high-grade stainless steel, made to appear as if in dynamic motion. Think a scene straight out of Star Wars’ revolutionary battleships, with segments that provide hands-on experiential zones via simulators for serious cyclists, skiers, climbers, and triathletes. This allows shoppers to test the various sportswear or equipment before making a decision to purchase.Address: Jewel Changi, 78 Airport Boulevard3. Skechers Jewel StoreThe 5,000 squarefeet duplex store’s interior has been designed with an overall modern and sleek look, achieved through the use of bright lighting, neon signage against cement panels. This store also offers a range of exclusive shoes for customization.Address: Jewel Changi, 78 Airport Boulevard4. Pokemon Center SingaporeAt the Pokemon Center Singapore, water-type Pokemon were chosen to decorate the store as Singapore is an island surrounded by water. Therefore, greeting you at the entrance is a Lapras being ridden by Pikachu and head to the back to view a Gyarados doing the “Merlion”. These make fun photo spots within the store.Address: Jewel Changi, 78 Airport Boulevard5. Naiise Iconic Jewel StoreSpanning almost 9,500 square-feet across its twostorey space, Naiise Iconic truly brings together local collaboration, retail technology, and unique experiences including a tea-bar and cafe that customers can only get in-store.Address: Jewel Changi, 78 Airport Boulevard6. Make HeroA new “affordable luxury” Japanese skincare and cosmetics concept store, Make Hero is thoughtfully divided into dedicated skincare, haircare and perfume sections for customers to test the samples available. The hip pink facade and feminine interior also make this an Insta-worthy shop.Address: Jewel Changi, 78 Airport BoulevardORCHARD/DEMPSEY7. Dover Street MarketThe multi-label store – the fourth in the world after London, Tokyo and New York – stocks 25 designer brands that range from Comme des Garçons and Anti Social Social Club to Céline and The Row. Housed in a converted army barracks with high ceilings, black cagelike grills as racks, and a colorful ‘cashier’ hut, customers would be forgiven if theymistake this for an art gallery.Address: Block 18, 18 Dempsey Road8. Siri HouseA new multi-concept space that is equal parts design showroom, restaurant/bar and retail nook. It’s certainly swanky, with a touch of island life vibes from the foliage wallpaper motifs and wooden wardrobes stocked full of trinkets. The creativity extends to Siri House’s Art Space, which will showcase new exhibitions every quarter.Address: Block 8D, Dempsey Road9. Chez vous HideawayAn experiential space where people can relax, have fun, and of course, take a load of pictures in the 1,800 square-feet salon which holds seven different Instagrammable zones. Address: Ngee Ann City Tower B, 391b Orchard Road10. Reebok Vector ClubReebok just opened their newest flagship store at Orchard Central. For the first time in Singapore, you’ll be able to find their line of classic apparel in their new Vector Sport concept store – perfect for both hypebeasts and sportswear enthusiasts alike.Address: Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Road11. Sephora TakashimayaSephora Takashimaya is the first store in Southeast Asia to offer Skincredible, a skincare consultation service that helps you determine your skin needs and the “Fragrance Boutique” concept. The ceiling to floor screens with extravagant videos of people having fun with all things beauty also make great IG Story moments. Address: Takashimaya Shopping Centre, 391 Orchard Road12. Surrender StoreThis independently owned, single-location store is one of the hippest shopping destinations in Singapore. Hard-edged galleristas, unabashed runway worshippers, and cool kids come here for trendsetting designers from Asia, Europe, and beyond.Address: 268 Orchard RoadCBD/CHINATOWN/TIONG BAHRU13. Gentle MonsterThe Marina Bay Sands store, like its ION counterpart, contains a series of abstract installations that are futuristic and fascinating.Address: 2 Orchard Turn14. OplusOplus is the first locally grown single label eyewear brand with a true manufacturing background. To showcase their ethos of “minimalist in its designs but maximalist in its craftsmanship”, the goldtinged boutique baths in light and sleekdisplay cases.Address: 6A Shenton Way15. Monument Lifestyle Store & CafeMonument Lifestyle brings together two of the best things in life under one roof – shopping and eating. Currently, the store carries retail products from carefully curated brands for men only.Address: 75 Duxton Road16. The Social SpaceThe decor, with its long rustic wood table and rattan furniture, gives us instant Bali vibes – not to mention the killer smoothie bowls you’d expect to be slurping in Seminyak. The retail aspect of The Social Space showcases beautiful pieces by businesses with an ethical or environmental purpose, and social enterprises. With its ethical boutique, refill station and a social enterprise nail salon on the way, The Social Space is so much more than just a beautiful new cafe.Address: 333 Kreta Ayer Road17. Straits ClanStraits Clan aims to facilitate cross-pollination between professionalsfrom a wide range of industries, and it does so in great style. With its welcoming atmosphere captured in a palette of onyx, concrete, rattan and lush tropical greenery that effortlessly ties in with the neighborhood, members are warmly invited into this beautiful, calming space.Address: 31 Bukit Pasoh Road18. White Label RecordsSettling into the swish neighbourhood of Ann Siang Hill, White Label Records is a hip record store by day and trendy bar by night. The stylish space is also the perfect hangout for music enthusiasts to kick back and relax over some food and drinks, browse through an endless list of records and catch popular DJs in action. Address: 28 Ann Siang Road19. Cat Socrates An unorthodox, catfriendly retail store, Cat Socrates is a cozy, endearing Indie lifestyle store with various books, accessories, apparels and art from local artists and designers. With its warm and inviting atmosphere and unique interior, it’s a perfect place to snap a photo which shows off your love for your furry felines!Address: 78 Yong Siak Street20. Calla LilyA lush and intimate space designed to reflect the personalised service provided at Calla Lily. The feminine design really speaks to the personality of the brand inspired by gem setting. The boutique uses contrasting textures and flexible furniture in blush palette that make the space Insta-worthy.Address: 56 Eng Hoon Street21. Books ActuallyHousing the largest collection of Singapore publications, English literature books as well as trinkets and stationery, Books Actually is a unique vintage quaint bookshop with a relaxing atmosphere. A favorite place amongst avid readers to snap a “inspo” quote for their Instagram feed. Address: 9 Yong Siak StreetBUGIS/CITY HALL22. Raffles BoutiquePreviously known as the Raffles Gift Shop, the new Raffles Boutique takes its place at the restored Raffles Arcade featuring a brand new retail concept. Shoppers will be able to enjoy a cuppa and homemade pastries at the refreshed Ah Teng’s Cafe while browsing well loved souvenirs and gourmet products that are set amidst a heritage gallery that showcases the illustrious heritage of Raffles Singapore.Address: 3 Seah Street23. Gallery & Co.Retail and gift shops located within a museum are hardly eye-catching, but Gallery & Co. defies that norm – A concept store set up by renowned names such as Unlisted Collection, Foreign Policy Design, and Luxasia, Gallery and Co. carries unconventional tote bags, stationery, and art from collaborations by Southeast Asian and International artists.Address: National Gallery, 1 St Andrew’s Road24. Lee Hwa Jewel SpaceA new experiential boutique, modelled after that of an art gallery, aiming to connect with the millennial shoppers. Customers can spend their day in the boutique browsing the products, learning more about jewellery and creating bespoke pieces at a workshop.Address: 3 Temasek Boulevard25. Love, Bonito Love, Bonito’s third and largest store at the newly-reopened Funan mall is a feminine and fun retail wonderland that encourages you to touch, feel, play and take lots of photos. Fresh as a peach is the entrance of the new store, with lots of peachy-cute curves and a modern-retro vibe. Lots of space to breathe in all the fast fashion goodness, and also queue up to pay for your purchases.Address: Funan, 107 North Bridge Road26. Tong TongThe Tong Tong shop is a darling little corner in Shaw Towers – shoppers can’t help but notice this mysterious looking tunnel that directs you to places unknown. The interior of the shop has retro tiles and speckled with vintage Chinese memorabilia.Address: 100 Beach Road27. Supermama StoreSupermama works closely with many design/art studios in Singapore and traditional craft facilities in Japan to produce meaningful “omiyage” (contemporary giftware) that represents the Singapore culture. Using culture as a context to design, Supermama delves into the fine line between cultural artefacts, everyday objects and the concept of basic luxury – that everyone can own a piece of heritage.Address: 265 Beach Road28. AesopNo retail guide would be complete without including an Aesop store as a designated stop. Inspired by Singapore’s rich maritime history, Aesop Raffles City is an intriguing mix of modern design and nautical tradition. From the two-toned palette to the slick finishes, you are stepping into a slice of history from the moment you cross the door.Address: Raffles City Shopping Centre, 1 Harbourfront Walk29. Sifr Aromatic StoreUnlike most perfume shops and perfume counters in malls, there will be no “assault of the senses” when shoppers enter. It’s a VM treat with midnight blue wall, solid wood fixtures, literary quotes and books on the shelves. The vintage-style French perfume bottles, Egyptian glass vials, miniature trees which upon a close look were stands to hang aroma pendants, and the rows and rows of perfumes, complete this multi-sensory store.Address: 42 Arab Street30. Kapok NDC StoreLocated on the ground floor of the National Design Centre (NDC), it is a perfect place to indulge yourself in good design. The new cafe area extends to the serene courtyard, overlooking the classic architecture of the historic St. Joseph’s church. The full-fledged lifestyle retail concept spanning 2,300 squarefeet space, will showcase over 100 labels from international and Asian brands, of which Singapore-based labels will take up a quarter mix.Address: National Design Centre, 111 Middle RoadThis article is based on the session, ‘Store Design for an Instagrammable Age’ presented by greater group’s Asia Design Director, Nina Miranti, at the Singapore Retail Industry Conference & Exhibition 2019. The free guide, ‘Top 30 Instagrammable Stores in Singapore’, can be downloaded here. Download your free guide here! Read More